A woman's war cry: The Democratic Republic of Congo

     

         26 June 2024

          By Dorcas Mbuyi 

Image credit: Alchetron.com

The first Congolese war started in 1996 whereby Rwanda and Uganda invaded parts of the DRC preferably the Eastern part. The aim of the invasion was to protect the DRC by de-rooting the remainder of the perpetrators of the genocide. However, an alliance was formed between Ugandan and Rwandan army which eventually led to the defeat of the then dictator Mobutu Sese Seko.

 

After nearly twenty years, the war is still on-going as the number of fatality of women and children continues to increase drastically.

 

In a recent interview with the SABC, the Vice Prime of the DRC, Jean-Pierre Bemba told the SABC reporter that the war in the Eastern part of Congo should have ended in 2003, however the war continues as the Rwanda is after the minerals that is embedded within the country.

 

Although, the statement made by the Vice Prime alludes truthfulness, the problem here is bigger than minerals. There seems to be a lack of accountability from the government’s side. Throughout the interview the Vice Prime does not mention the severity of the abuse which women and children are experiencing in the hands of the Rwandan rebels. When is there concern for the trauma that is endured by innocent lives?

 

What about the war cry of women and children?

 

In a recent documentary by Vice News, Gloria Steinem produces concerning images of women and children that have been shunned by their families as a result of the sexual assault that they had to subdue in the hands of rebels. These women and children are segregated from the entire community due to a brutal crime committed unto them. The victims are living in shame and are imprisoned psychologically while the perpetrators conclude with their lives as though the acts had not taken place.

 

 Buganga village (south Kivu province, DRC) has been the home that has birthed and raised children who are referred to as ‘products of rape’. The conditions in which these innocent lives are enforced to live in is atrocious.

 

Why has there not been more done? Why has the vice prime not spoken in depth of the inhumane conditions?

 

A woman by the name of Rebecca Masika Katsuva a human rights activist and also a survivor of sexual abuse, founded the Centre d’ecoute which later was renamed Association des Peronnes Desherites Unies pour le development (APDUD). Moreover, she opened up a shelter for women that had experienced violent acts and provided them with medical assistance. One of these women is Gorgeta, she witnessed seven of her children and husband murdered in front of her. Furthermore, she was brutally gang raped by 20 members of the rebel group and they then decided to pour hot water on her which she later suffered burnt wounds all over her body. The trauma which this innocent woman had to endure is tragic, however, Masika was able to provide her with assistance where he wounds were able to heal.

 

The bravery of one woman was able to heal over 6,000 rape survivors. Unfortunately, on the 2^{nd of} February 2016, she lost her life due to malaria complications. Masika has shown the world what it means to turn evil into good. She not only spoke about the violence happening but she took a stand for the justice of others.

 

The vice-prime goes in detail about the vision which the president has for the country and the guidelines which must be followed to ensure the success of the desired outcome. One of the goals for the president is to increase employment and create more jobs for the youth. Although these words sound captivating, we have heard these statements before and until today, we have yet to see tangible evidence of their vision.

 

“Without security you cannot develop a country”, said Jean-Pierre Bembe, vice-prime of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

The vice-prime has alluded to there being stricter military forces put in place to protect the DRC, also providing the military with proper training in order to eliminate the war. The President of the DRC Felix Tshisekedi plans on placing a 12-month period on ending the war in the Eastern part and has total confidence on defending the country also gaining security over the territory. This is a goal which the government has put in place, however there is an error in the timeframe given to secure total control of the territory. In addition, the time invested and possibly the finances being put aside will lead to more conflict. He also confidently explains that since Felix Tshisekedi has come into power there has been an increase in the budget of the country.

 

Therefore, the apparent budget increase from 5 billion dollars to 16 billion dollars has to have one questioning, how much of the budget is set aside for military training and providing clean water and electricity? We are investing time into ending a war that has already taken many lives, yet, the country is in severe need of basic sanitation that has not been accessible for years. A war that has no definite reason will only continue to cause division, death and famine.

 

The DRC is in need of change and if these criminal acts do not come to an end, it will be in the hands of millions of children and women.

 

What about the basic human rights of women and children? Who will provide the necessary psychological, emotional, psychical and financial assistance to the victims and families that have witnessed the devastating scenes of their loved ones being murdered.

 

There needs to be justice served for the outright of women whose war cry was heard while fighting for their lives. The blood of all the victims is hanging over the perpetrators that are still walking free.

 

We as Congolese are responsible for the future of our country. There needs to be accountability taken for the negligence from the government’s side. As the late Nelson Mandela once said, “it is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it”.